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While bees are critical to sustaining a large proportion of global food production, as well as pollinating both wild and cultivated plants, they are decreasing in both numbers and diversity. Our understanding of the factors driving these declines is limited, in part, because we lack sufficient data on the distribution of bee species to predict changes in their geographic range under climate change scenarios. Additionally lacking is adequate data on the behavioral and anatomical traits that may make bees either vulnerable or resilient to human-induced environmental changes, such as habitat loss and climate change. Fortunately, a wealth of associated attributes can be extracted from the specimens deposited in natural history collections for over 100 years.Extending Anthophila Research Through Image and Trait Digitization (Big-Bee) is a newly funded US National Science Foundation Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections project. Over the course of three years, we will create over one million high-resolution 2D and 3D images of bee specimens (Fig. 1), representing over 5,000 worldwide bee species, including most of the major pollinating species. We will also develop tools to measure bee traits from images and generate comprehensive bee trait and image datasets to measure changes through time. The Big-Bee network of participating institutions includes 13 US institutions (Fig. 2) and partnerships with US government agencies. We will develop novel mechanisms for sharing image datasets and datasets of bee traits that will be available through an open, Symbiota-Light (Gilbert et al. 2020) data portal called the Bee Library. In addition, biotic interaction and species association data will be shared via Global Biotic Interactions (Poelen et al. 2014). The Big-Bee project will engage the public in research through community science via crowdsourcing trait measurements and data transcription from images using Notes from Nature (Hill et al. 2012). Training and professional development for natural history collection staff, researchers, and university students in data science will be provided through the creation and implementation of workshops focusing on bee traits and species identification. We are also planning a short, artistic college radio segment called "the Buzz" to get people excited about bees, biodiversity, and the wonders of our natural world.This poster was prepared for TDWG 2021 virtual conference.

Stingless bees (Meliponini) are a ubiquitous and diverse element of the pantropical melittofauna, and have significant cultural and economic importance. This review outlines their diversity, and provides identification keys based on external morphology, brief accounts for each of the recognized genera, and an updated checklist of all living and fossil species. In total there are currently 605 described extant species in 45 extant genera, and a further 18 extinct species in nine genera, seven of which are extinct. A new fossil genus, Adactylurina Engel, gen. nov., is also described for a species in Miocene amber from Ethiopia. In addition to the systematic review, the biology of stingless bees is summarized with an emphasis on aspects related to their nesting biology and architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The little-known megachiline genus Noteriades Cockerell, 1931 is recorded from Vietnam for the first time. A new species, Noteriades hangkia Tran, Engel & Nguyen sp. nov. is described and figured based on a series of females collected from the provinces of the northern and central highlands of Vietnam. The genus is briefly discussed and a new subtribe is established, Noteriadina Engel, Tran & Nguyen subtrib. nov. of Megachilini. Lastly, an identification key and distribution map are provided for those species occurring in Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of melitturgine bees (Panurginae: Melitturgini) is described and figured from central Saudi Arabia. Belliturgula najdica Engel, gen. et sp. n., is similar in several respects to the genus Flavomeliturgula Patiny in that both have a greatly elongate glossa that is longer than the face and is truncate apically. The former differs in the greatly elongate and flattened first labial palpomere, the remaining palpomeres unmodified, the greatly protuberant clypeus, and long labrum lacking dense setal patches, among other traits. In addition, remarks are made on the composition of Flavomeliturgula, with Meliturgula deserta Warncke (Iran, Pakistan), removed to Khuzimelissa Engel, gen. n., resulting in the new combination Khuzimelissa deserta (Warncke), comb. n. Khuzimelissa differs from Flavomeliturgula by the unmodified labial palpomeres (lacking the elongate first three labial palpomeres of the latter genus), the acute glossa (broadly truncate in the latter), glossa shorter than head length (greater than head length in the latter), the abundant, white, squamiform setae of the mesoscutum (sparse, erect setae in the latter), cleft pretarsal claws (simple in the latter), presence of metasomal setal bands (lacking in the latter), and apically emarginate pygidial plate (acutely rounded in the latter). The species of Flavomeliturgula are organized into three subgenera, including Koreshomelissa Engel, subgen. n., and Freyamelissa Engel, subgen. n., and these may eventually warrant generic status once phylogenetic work on the tribe has been completed. A key to the Arabian genera of Panurginae is provided, along with an augmented key to the genera of subtribe Meliturgulina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the carpenter bee genus Xylocopa Latreille (Xylocopinae: Xylocopini) is described and figured from two localities in southern Saudi Arabia. Xylocopa (Koptortosoma) sarawatica Engel, sp. n. is a relatively small species similar to the widespread X. pubescens Spinola, but differs in the extent of maculation in males, setal coloration of both sexes, and male terminalia. A revised key to the species of Xylocopa in Saudi Arabia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of fossil bumble bee (Apinae: Bombini) is described and figured from Early Miocene (Burdigalian) deposits of the Most Basin at the Bílina Mine, Czech Republic. Bombus trophonius sp. n., is placed within the subgenus Cullumanobombus Vogt and distinguished from the several species groups therein. The species is apparently most similar to the Nearctic B. (Cullumanobombus) rufocinctus Cresson, the earliest-diverging species within the clade and the two may be related only by symplesiomorphies. The age of the fossil is in rough accordance with divergence estimations for Cullumanobombus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitism of Andrena (Suandrena) savignyi Spinola (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) by Stylops Kirby (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) has been recorded only once, and from an individual collected in Egypt almost a century ago, with the parasite described as Stylops savignyi Hofeneder. The recent rediscovery of this Stylops from an individual of A. savignyi permits a reinterpretation of the species and its affinities among other Stylops. The bee was collected at flowers of Zilla spinosa (Turra) Prantl. (Brassicaceae) in Amariah, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on DNA barcode sequences from material sampled across Africa, Asia, and Europe, it is apparent that S. savignyi is conspecific with S. nassonowi Pierce, and we accordingly synonymize this name (syn. n.), with the latter representing the senior and valid name for the species. A differential diagnosis is provided for S. nassonowi and the morphology of the female is described, as well as the first instars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of cleptoparasitic bee of the genus Thyreus Panzer (Apinae: Melectini) is described and figured from northern Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia. Thyreus shebicus Engel, sp. n. is a relatively small species superficially similar to the widespread and polytypic species T. ramosus (Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau) and T. ramosellus (Cockerell) but more closely allied to various African forms on the basis of the male genitalia. The species is distinguished from its congeners on the basis of coloration pattern, male hind leg structure, and particularly male terminalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leafcutting bee Megachile (Eutricharaea) minutissima Radoszkowski is a widely distributed species in the Middle East and a promising pollinator of alfalfa. We provide information on the nest architecture, foraging behavior, phenology, and host plants of a wild population of M. rninutissima studied between March 2010 and September 2012 in Amariah, a typical desert in central Saudi Arabia. Bees nested in preexisting cavities in the sandy, dry, and loose soil, and built between 2 and 14 leaf-lined brood cells per nest. Females built and provisioned 1-2 cells per day, each consisting of a large oval piece from which the cell cup was made and a small semiround piece that was used as cell cap; however, occasionally small oval pieces were also used in the latter. Cells were built from leaves of Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), a locally abundant plant. Both sexes were captured from March to October at flowers of 11 species (10 families), indicating some degree of polylecty as well as either bivoltinism or multivoltinism. We also provide comparative taxonomic comments that will assist bee researchers to easily recognize this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleptoparasitic bee genus Chiasmognathus Engel (Nomadinae: Ammobatini) is recorded from Saudi Arabia for the first time. Chiasmognathus nearchus Engel was previously known from specimens collected in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Here we report and figure two individuals captured in central Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notes are provided on the morphology of males and females of the enigmatic Lithurgus huberi Ducke (Lithurginae: Lithurgini), a species historically believed to have been introduced into South America from Asia and to be a possible synonym of the more widespread L. atratus Smith. Distinctive differences are documented between L. huberi and L. atratus, perhaps indicative of separate species. In addition, we provide new records of L. huberi in Argentina and Paraguay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A brief overview of those bee genera and subgenera occurring in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is provided. In total 22 genera are currently documented in the literature for the country, although a further 17 genera undoubtedly occur here based on extralimital records. The lists provided here will serve as a baseline for biodiversity studies on the bee fauna of the country that are presently underway. The anthidiine genus Icteranthidium Michener (Megachilidae) and the dasypodaine genus Promelitta Warncke (Melittidae) are newly recorded for the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The bee genus Perdita Smith, 1853 (Panurginae) is recorded from the West Indies based on the new species, Perdita (Perdita) islacabritosensis sp. nov. from Isla Cabritos, a xeric island within salty Lago Enriquillo in the southeastern part of the Dominican Republic. The species is described and figured, and compared with putative relatives among the hyperdiverse subgenus Perdita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enigmatic, cleptoparasitic bee genera Brachymelecta Linsley and Sinomelecta Baker (Apinae: Melectini) are redescribed, each represented by a single species which has not been reencountered since capture of the type series ca. 1878 and 1900, respectively. Both genera are the only melectines to possess two submarginal cells in the forewing but are otherwise wholly dissimilar. Brachymelecta mucida (Cresson), a species known only from the male holotype collected in "Nevada", is newly described and figured, including the first account of the hidden sterna and genitalia. Sinomelecta oreina Baker is similarly described and figured based on the holotype male and paratype female, apparently collected from the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Both genera are valid and from the available data do not appear to represent merely autapomorphic forms of Melecta Latreille. Indeed, the terminalia of S. oreina are in some respects more similar to those of species of Thyreus Panzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of orchid bees are described and figured from the Amazon and Atlantic forests of Brazil. Euglossa clausi sp. n., E. moratoi sp. n., and E. pepei sp. n. are distinguished from their close congeners E. crassipunctata Moure, E. parvula Dressler, and E. sapphirina Moure, previously placed in the subgenus Euglossa (Glossurella) Dressler, 1982, a demonstrably paraphyletic assemblage requiring serious reconsideration. Their affinities with related species are discussed and pertinent characters are figured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apid cuckoo bees of the Cape Verde Islands (Republic of Cape Verde) are reviewed and five species recognized, representing two genera. The ammobatine genus Chiasmognathus Engel (Nomadinae: Ammobatini), a specialized lineage of cleptoparasites of nomioidine bees is recorded for the first time. Chiasmognathus batelkai sp. n. is distinguished from mainland African and Asian species. The genus Thyreus Panzer (Apinae: Melectini) is represented by four species - Thyreus denolii sp. n., T. batelkai sp. n., T. schwarzi sp. n., and T. aistleitneri sp. n. Previous records of Thyreus scutellaris (Fabricius) from the islands were based on misidentifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some bees and pollen wasps have independently evolved simple, stiff, erect, apically-curved, curly or hooked facial setae as adaptations to collect pollen from nototribic flowers. A distinctive new species of Chalicodoma Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau subgenus Pseudomegachile Friese from Saudi Arabia with such morphological adaptations, C. riyadhense sp. n., is described and figured. The species was captured visiting flowers of Blepharis ciliaris (L.) (Acanthaceae). The occurrence of modified facial setae is documented and discussed for the first time in eight other species of Pseudomegachile, and a key to the genera and subgenera of Megachilini currently confirmed for Saudi Arabia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large carpenter bees (Xylocopinae, Xylocopa Latreille) occurring in central Saudi Arabia are reviewed. Two species are recognized in the fauna, Xylocopa (Koptortosoma) aestuans (Linnaeus) and X. (Ctenoxylocopa) sulcatipes Maa. Diagnoses for and keys to the species of these prominent components of the central Saudi Arabian bee fauna are provided to aid their identification by pollination researchers active in the region. Females and males of both species are figured and biological notes provided for X. sulcatipes. Notes on the nesting biology and ecology of X. sulcatipes are appended. As in studies for this species from elsewhere, nests were found in dried stems of Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Asclepiadaceae) and Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A third species of the rare augochlorine bee genus Chlerogelloides Engel et al. (Halictinae, Augochlorini) is described and figured. Chlerogelloides nexosa sp. n. is most similar to the type species, C. femoralis Engel et al., in that both have modified midlegs in the males. The former, however, can be distinguished on the basis of its terminalia, which in some respects more closely resembles those of C. simplex Engel and Brooks. Brief comments on the secondary features of males and relationships of the genus are provided. A key to the species of the genus is provided and floral records of Cordia nodosa Lam. (Boraginaceae) and Gonzalagunia dicocca Cham. & Schltdl. (Rubiaceae) are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the Neotropical stingless bee genus Geotrigona Moure from the Caribbean coast of Colombia is described and figured. Geotrigona joearroyoi sp. n. belongs to the fulvohirta species group and is distinguished on the basis of color and type of pubescence on the metasomal terga. New geographical records and an updated key to the species of Geotrigona are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the eucerine bee genus Tetraloniella Ashmead (Apinae: Eucerini) is described and figured from central Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tetraloniella (Tetraloniella) persiciformis sp. n. is distinguished on the basis of coloration, integumental sculpturing, male metafemoral structure, and male terminalia. A floral record of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. (Compositae) is noted for some of the material. Females superficially resemble those of Tarsalia persica (Warncke) (Ancylaini) in overall coloration but can be distinguished by the typical generic and tribal characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglossa williamsi sp. n. is here described from the lowland Amazonian region in Ecuador and Peru, and as part of a small species assemblage within Euglossa consisting of E. dodsoni Moure and E. obtusa Dressler. An identification key to the males of the group is provided plus detailed figures of the new species and representative illustrations for the others. A brief discussion of the taxonomic and biogeographical implications of the new species is provided. New records in Honduras and Nicaragua are provided for the related E. dodsoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bee genus Chilicola Spinola (Xeromelissinae) is recorded from the State of Bahia, Brazil for the first time, based on a new species of the megalostigma group of the subgenus Hylaeosoma Ashmead. Chilicola (Hylaeosoma) kevani sp. n. is described and figured from males collected in Wesceslau Guimarães, Bahia. The species can be distinguished on the basis of coloration, size, integumental sculpturing, and structure of the hidden metasomal sterna and genitalia. A revised key to the species of the megalostigma group is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euglossella, one of the most distinctive subgenera of orchid bees of the genus Euglossa, is composed of two characteristic assemblages of species, one of them comprising bees bearing the strongly metallic integument trademark of the genus (viridis species group), and the other consisting of bees with a brown integument shaded with metallic iridescence (decorata species group). Here we provide the first of two parts of a revision of Euglossella, providing diagnostic definitions for the subgenus, the decorata species group, and all the species included therein. Six species are included in the decorata group, one new: Euglossa (Euglossella) aurantia, sp. n.; E. (E.) apiformis Schrottky, resurrected status; E. (E.) decorata Smith, revised status; E. (E.) singularis Mocsáry, revised status; E. (E.) cosmodora Hinojosa-Díaz and Engel; and E. (E.) perpulchra Moure and Schlindwein. Euglossa meliponoides Ducke and E. urarina Hinojosa-Díaz and Engel are newly synonymized under E. decorata, E. decorata ruficauda Cockerell is synonymized under E. singularis, and a neotype is designated for E. apiformis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subgenus of Protandrena Cockerell (Panurginae: Protandrenini) from South America, Andinopanurgus Gonzalez & Engel, subgen. n., is described and figured for distinctive species of the genus occurring at mid- and high elevations in the Andes from Venezuela to Peru (1100-3400 m). In addition to the distribution, the subgenus is easily distinguished from other subgenera by a unique combination of morphological characters in both sexes, especially in the hidden sterna and genitalia of the male. Protandrena amyae sp. n., and P. femoralis sp. n., are also described and figured from the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Andes. New geographical records and a key to the species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the cleptoparasitic bee genus Microsphecodes Eickwort and Stage (Halictinae: Halictini) is described and figured from a male and female collected in Jamaica. Microsphecodes xaymacensis Engel, sp. n., is distinguished from its congeners on the basis of integumental coloration and sculpturing, and form of the male pygidial plate and genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new study of a surviving syntype of Trigona meadewaldoi Cockerell, 1915, was undertaken and several widely employed names for Neotropical stingless bees recognized as junior synonyms. A lectotype is designated for T. meadewaldoi and the following new synonymies established: Tetragona francoi Moure, 1946, and Trigona (Frieseomelitta) freiremaiai Moure, 1963. These nomenclatural matters are here settled and the species thoroughly characterized in advance of a forthcoming phylogenetic consideration of the genus Frieseomelitta von Ihering, 1912. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subgenus, Alocanthedon Engel and Gonzalez subgen. n., is described for five species of unusual Southeast Asian bees in the genus Chalicodoma Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau (Megachilinae: Megachilini). The subgenus is most noteworthy for the deep postgenal depression or furrow in males (bordered outwardly near the base of the mandible by a protuberant, thick lamella) and the presence of a dense patch of black setae posteriorly in the forewing medial cell (except in one species) [resembling the dense patch of setae among the submarginal cells of Thrinchostoma Saussure (Halictidae: Halictinae: Halictini)]. The subgenus is characterized and distinguished from the related Callomegachile Michener. A key to the following five species presently included in the subgenus is provided: Chalicodoma aterrimum (Smith), C. atratiforme (Meade-Waldo) comb. n., C. memecylonae Engel sp. n., C. odontophorum Engel sp. n., and C. apoicola Engel sp. n. Chalicodoma (Callomegachile) atratiforme sininsulae (Cockerell) is newly placed in synonymy with C. (C.) fulvipenne (Smith). Species have been collected from Memecylaceae (Myrtales) and Fabaceae (Fabales). The phylogenetic relationships of Alocanthedon among other Megachilini are briefly elaborated upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the orchid bee subgenus Dasystilbe Dressler (Euglossini: Euglossa Latreille) is described and figured from a series of males and females collected broadly in Mesoamerica. Euglossa (Dasystilbe) obrima, sp. n., is differentiated from the one known species of Dasystilbe, E. (D.) villosa Moure, which occurs only in Panamá and perhaps Costa Rica. The subgenus and its constituent species are diagnosed, and comments provided on Dasystilbe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miocene Randeck Maar (southwestern Germany) is one of the only sites with abundant material of fossil honey bees. The fauna has been the focus of much scrutiny by early authors who recognized multiple species or subspecies within the fauna. The history of work on the Randeck Maar is briefly reviewed and these fossils placed into context with other Tertiary and living species of the genus Apis Linnaeus (Apinae: Apini). Previously unrecorded specimens from Randeck Maar were compared with earlier series in an attempt to evaluate the observed variation. A morphometric analysis of forewing venation angles across representative Recent and Tertiary species of Apis as well as various non-Apini controls was undertaken to evaluate the distribution of variation in fossil honey bees. The resulting dendrogram shows considerable variation concerning the wing venation of Miocene Apini, but intergradation of other morphological characters reveals no clear pattern of separate species. This suggests that a single, highly variable species was present in Europe during the Miocene. The pattern also supports the notion that the multiple species and subspecies proposed by earlier authors for the Randeck Maar honey bee fauna are not valid, and all are accordingly recognized as Apis armbrusteri Zeuner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Lasioglossum Curtis subgenus Dialictus Robertson (Halictinae, Halictini) is described and figured from a series of female and males collected on Sombrero Island, Anguilla; the northernmost island of the Lesser Antilles. Lasioglossum (Dialictus) sombrerense sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners and the name made available for a forthcoming work on the arthropod diversity of Sombrero Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which explored the Megalopta notiocleptis species in Bolivia. The researcher identified several attributes of the male species such as the presence of the deep lateral notches for its fourth metasomal sternum with enlarged ocelli. He found that the Megalopta atlantica species is characterized by polished, smooth as well as shining basal area of the propodeum and the absence of facial metallic green reflections. The female species on the other hand has a head width of 4.83 millimeters and length of 3.92 millimeters.

A new species of the cleptoparasitic bee genus Chiasmognathus Engel, 2006 is described and figured from southwestern Niger. Chiasmognathus saheliensis sp. nov. (Ammobatini) is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of its coloration, integumental sculpturing (particularly that of the mesosoma), and genitalic structure. Species of the genus victimize nests of Nomioides Schenck, 1867 and perhaps Ceylalictus Strand, 1913 (Halictidae: Halictinae: Nomioidini), both of which are known to occur in Niger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American species of the rare bee genus Chlerogella Michener (Halictinae: Augochlorini) are revised, completing the study of the genus. Chlerogella diversity is significantly expanded beyond the five previously described South American species of Chlerogella azurea (Enderlein) comb. n., C. nasus (Enderlein), C. mourella Engel, C. octogesima (Brooks and Engel) comb. n., and C. buyssoni (Vachal). Twenty-two new species are described - C. agaylei sp. n., C. arhyncha sp. n., C. borysthenis sp. n., C. breviceps sp. n., C. cochabambensis sp. n., C. cooperella sp. n., C. cyranoi sp. n., C. dolichorhina sp. n., C. elysia sp. n., C. eumorpha sp. n., C. euprepia sp. n., C. hauseri sp. n., C. hypermeces sp. n., C. materdonnae sp. n., C. oresbios sp. n., C. picketti sp. n., C. rostrata sp. n., C. silvula sp. n., C. terpsichore sp. n., C. tychoi sp. n., C. vachali sp. n. C. xuthopleura sp. n. - and the distribution of the genus is expanded beyond Perú and Ecuador to include Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela. The female of C. azurea is described for the first time while the placement of Halictus buyssoni Vachal in Chlerogella is considered tentative, following the usage of previous authors, as the holotype and sole specimen is untraceable. The genus is newly diagnosed based on a greater understanding of variation in malar length across the species and a dichotomous key is provided. New floral records for species of Chlerogella include Psychotria pongoana Standl. (Rubiaceae) and a putative record on Phragmopedium longifolium (Warsz. & Rchb.f.) Rolfe (Orchidaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Chlerogas Vachal (Halictinae, Augochlorini) is described and figured from Bolivia, correcting a past mis-association of sexes for Chlerogas boliviensis Brooks & Engel. Chlerogas aterrimus sp. n. is described from two males and a single female collected in the Department of Santa Cruz (Provinces of Florida and Caballero) and is distinguished from C. boliviensis, known only from females, and its other congeners. A revised key to the species of Chlerogas is provided along with a new locality record for C. boliviensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]